Medieval Studies Summer Programme

This programme offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from some of the finest British medievalists. Course Directors encourage you to develop your own arguments about big historical issues while helping you to understand the complexities of the chosen field. Courses are offered in defined topics which encompass art, architecture, history, literature, religion, trade and health.

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Programme

The academic programme

Four courses (two per week)

Series of plenary lectures: Ambition and Aspiration

Evening talks

Contact hours: up to 53 hours

Programme description

The programme is challenging and is predicated on doing advance reading. It attracts current undergraduate and graduate students, and college and university teachers, however the interdisciplinary nature of the programme will appeal to anyone with an interest in medieval studies. Courses are led by subject specialists from the University and other British universities.

Intended audience and previous knowledge

We welcome those coming from any background with a real commitment to the subject. Many courses offer introductions to new subject areas, others are a little more specialised. Required and/or supplementary reading should be undertaken before you arrive in Cambridge.

Courses

Click on each course for a detailed description (uploaded as available). This will help you to assess whether the course is a suitable match to your current level of knowledge. You choose one morning and one afternoon course per week, each has five sessions. The maximum class size is 25 participants. You can write one essay per course for evaluation.

What our students say

"Thank you so much for valuing education for educations sake…it has been life-changing to spend a week with like-minded, genuine people. I very much hope to return." Kathryn Gilmour, UK, Medieval Studies Programme 2017

"An absolute pleasure and privilege to listen to articulate and knowledgeable lecturers, who were very open to and encouraging of questions…the lecturers are gifted in bringing everything together, which builds up the complete picture of medieval England. I had many "a-ha" moments!" Dawn Russell, UK, Medieval Studies Programme 2017

"… extremely well run with excellent topics and brilliant lecturers. The whole experience is two weeks of stimulating lectures which make you think, adds to your knowledge and gives you an opportunity to discuss what you have learnt with like-minded people." Susan Dinsdale, New Zealand, Medieval Studies Programme 2017

"The International Summer Programme is the most wonderful opportunity to broaden one's horizon as it is a great privilege to be taught by the best. Being able to meet like-minded people from all over the world also provides great joy." Barbara Plock, Germany, Medieval Studies Programme 2016

Plenary Lectures

Lecture series: Ambition and Aspiration

Medieval Society was deeply hierarchical and carefully ordered.This was a world in which people knew their proper place and accepted it. Yet social mobility was common and there was room for careers and advancement in all spheres. The plenary lectures are given by recognised experts who will explore the different ways in which people could enhance their status and standing through marriage, the professions, royal service and war.

This year's lectures will include:

Plenary lectures

Dr Rowena E Archer: Made by marriage: the best way to get on in medieval EnglandDr Philip Morgan: Was Christ a gentleman? Policing social mobility in the later Middle AgesDr Sam Lane:Climbing through the Church: the Church and social mobility in Later Medieval EnglandProfessor Nigel Saul: Images of mobility: climbers and fallers on English medieval tomb monumentsRichard Partington: Martial ambition: social mobility among fighting menRichard Partington:Elite Ambition: to what did kings and lords aspire?

Joint evening talks

Dr Frank Woodman: Ely cathedral, triumph snatched from the jaws of disasterProfessor Mark Bailey: The rise of the English yeomanry out of the catastrophe of the Black Death, 1350 to 1500

Accommodation

Enjoy the rare opportunity of living and dining in a Cambridge College. Each is very different in character, but all offer a warm welcome. You will meet fellow students and become familiar with Cambridge in a way few are privileged to experience.

The Colleges

Gonville & Caius College (Standard rooms only)

Distinguished for having produced fourteen Nobel Prize winners, this beautiful College, dating back to medieval times, is situated near the hustle and bustle of the lively market, restaurants and cafés. The College offers a choice of traditional standard rooms located in the heart of the city centre.. Read more »

Newnham College

Set around large secluded gardens, this graceful College is just across the road from your lecture rooms, yet still within easy walking distance of the bustling city centre. Meals are served buffet-style and taken in the airy dining hall overlooking the beautiful gardens. Read more »

St Catharine's College

Situated in the very heart of the city on one of the original medieval routes, St Catharine's College is close to both King’s College and Queens’ College, yet just a short walk to the main teaching sites. St Catharine's offers graceful architecture and delightful courtyard gardens. Read more

Selwyn College

With its extensive and peaceful gardens backing onto the teaching site, Selwyn is very convenient for your lectures as well as offering a choice of traditional and modern rooms. The city centre is easily reached by a variety of walks past famous Cambridge landmarks. Read more »

Fees

Tuition fees

Two-week option

One-week option

Medieval Studies

£1,335

£800

Accommodation fees

College

Room type

Two-week option

One week only

Gonville & Caius College

Standard

£895

£420

Newnham College

En suite

£1,145

N/A

Newnham College

Standard

£1,005

£475

St Catharine's College

En suite

£1,305

£625

St Catharine's College

Standard

£1,125

£530

Selwyn College - Ann's Court

En suite

£1,145

N/A

Selwyn College - Cripps Court

En suite

£1,145

£540

Selwyn College - Old Court

En suite

£1,145

N/A

Selwyn College - Old Court

Standard

£980

£465

En suite includes a private shower or bathroom and toilet. Standard includes shared facilities.

If your first choice is full, we will allocate you your next choice.
You are welcome to attend as a non-resident.

Registration fee

A registration fee of £250 for each term or part of a term, ie one-/two-/three-weeks, must accompany your application. This registration fee is part of the full programme fee. Applications cannot be processed until the registration fee is received. The remainder of the fee must be paid by the balance of payment date (see below).

Applications sent after the balance of payment date must be accompanied by the full programme fee. If the full fee is not paid by this date the University reserves the right to cancel the application and allocate places to others on waiting lists. If you make any payment by bank transfer you must inform us and send a scanned copy of your bank transfer transaction confirmation.

Balance of payment date

Medieval Studies Programme

Monday 10 June

Requirements

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from all adults including university students, professionals and those with other experience, regardless of educational background. Gap year students (ie those who will already have finished high school by the start of the programmes) will be considered for admission. Due to the nature and location of the programmes, gap year students under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian acting as a chaperone. The chaperone will need to live in College in a room adjacent to the participant, and to attend classes with the participant. Chaperones are charged for accommodation and meals.

English language requirements

To ensure that all participants on our Summer Programmes are able to enjoy studying with us, you will need to be confident understanding and following arguments presented in written and spoken English at University level, and will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language proficiency*. If English is not your first (that is, your native) language, you will need to meet our English language requirements, by providing evidence of one of the following tests. These results should have been achieved in the same sitting, and no more than 2 years before the date of application.

Please note that if you have previously attended our University of Cambridge International Summer Programmes you are deemed to have already met this requirement and do not therefore need to provide further proof of English language proficiency.

Qualification

Required Score

IELTS Academic or

IELTS Academic for UKVI

Minimum overall band score of6.5 or above

(with no less than 6.5 in each of the four components)

CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency)

Grade C or above or 200 points overall on the Cambridge English Scale.

CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced)

Grade A or B or 193 points overall on the Cambridge English Scale.

TOEFL internet-based (iBT)

Overall score of 92 (with no individual element below 22).

In order for your results to be verified by our office, please provide the following:

IELTS Academic or IELTS Academic for UKVI: your certificate or Test Report Form (TRF) number

TOEFL iBT: your full 16-digit registration number and your date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

* Some applicants may have undertaken all or part of their education in English and/or may have extensive experience using English on a regular basis in their professional life, and as such could reasonably be expected to fully participate in our Programmes without the above tests. If you think you may be eligible to apply on this basis (subject to submission of relevant evidence), or if you have any other enquiries about your English language, please contact us before applying at intlang@ice.cam.ac.uk

Visa guidance

It is important to ensure that you have the correct visa which permits study on the International Summer Programmes. The University of Cambridge must comply with regulations issued by UK Visas and Immigration, part of the government’s Home Office. Please read this section even if you have attended the International Summer Programmes for a number of years.

EEA and Swiss nationals

If you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you will not require a visa to study on the International Summer Programmes. The countries in the EEA are:

We assume you will use your EEA passport to travel to the UK even if you have a second non-EEA citizenship.

If you have permanent residence in, but not citizenship of, any of these countries, you are not an EEA national.

Non-EEA

All non-EEA will require an appropriate immigration status to attend the International Summer Programmes. Normally the University will support entry to the UK under the Short-term Study route. Whether you need to apply for a visa in advance or entry clearance as a short-term student upon arrival at the UK border depends on your nationality as outlined below.

a) Nationals of the following countries are required to apply for a Short-term study visa in advance of travelling to the UK:

Further information on the requirements for this visa, how to apply and the application fee are outlined at www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa. Please note you will not be able to apply until you have received the Acceptance Letter for the International Summer Programmes to support your application.

Please note: a standard visitor / tourist visa does not permit the holder to come to the UK for study purposes.

b) If your country is not listed above, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance as you can request entry under the Short-term study route when you first arrive in the UK. You will need to ensure you inform officials at Immigration Control that you are visiting the UK for the purpose of study and show the Acceptance Letter issued to you for the International Summer Programmes. Your passport should then be stamped with a short-term study entry stamp. There is no fee attached to entry at the border under this route.

Please note: an immigration status as a standard visitor / tourist is not the appropriate status for entering the UK for the purpose of study and would not permit the holder to attend the International Summer Programme.

Alternative visas

Registered Traveller Service does not cover short-term study – this is available for nationals of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and USA, but would not allow you to attend the International Summer Programmes.

If you hold other valid immigration permission for the UK, for example a Tier 4 visa or indefinite leave to remain, you must inform us of the document you hold and we will confirm whether this allows you to study on our International Summer Programmes.

If you arrive with a visa which does not permit study, you would not be able to start your programme.

Prior to arriving in Cambridge

We strongly advise that all visa nationals supply us with a copy of their visa before arrival; ideally four weeks before travel, so the University can flag any potential issues and advise accordingly.

On registration days

Please bring your passport and any immigration permission (if not in your passport) to registration: our first stage in the registration process will be to check that you have a Short-term study visa, or some other permission (such as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) so that we can keep a record to say that we have seen this. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain a visa or entry stamp that permits study. If you do not have an appropriate immigration status we will explain your options and you should be aware that this may have implications on your registration – we recommend that you follow the guidance above and contact us with any queries.

Visits overseas during your Summer Programme

Non-visa nationals only: Please be aware that if you plan to travel overseas at the weekend, during your stay, that you will need to present your Summer Programmes Acceptance Letter when you come back into the country again, requesting entry as a Short-term student and ensuring you receive a second short-term study entry stamp.

Please note

Visa regulations are subject to change. We will advise accepted students via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) of changes when we can, but are unable to provide individual advice in relation to visa applications. It is your responsibility to make sure you understand and meet the immigration requirements of the UK, and obtain the correct visa to study at the University of Cambridge.

You must apply in sufficiently good time for the appropriate visa to ensure that you are able to start and complete your course of study at the University of Cambridge International Summer Programmes. Entry to the UK is at the discretion of UK Visas and Immigration and Border Officials at the port of entry. The University cannot accept responsibility for decisions made by these external government agencies.

Registration fee

A registration fee £250 for each term or part of a term, ie one-/two-/three-weeks, must accompany your application. This registration fee is part of the full programme fee. Applications cannot be processed until the registration fee is received. The remainder of the fee must be paid by the balance of payment date (see below).

Applications sent after the balance of payment date must be accompanied by the full programme fee. If the full fee is not paid by this date the University reserves the right to cancel the application and allocate places to others on waiting lists. If you make any payment by bank transfer you must inform us and send a scanned copy of your bank transfer transaction confirmation.

You may cancel your booking at any time before the start of your programme. Cancellations are subject to the policies detailed in our refund and cancellation policy.

Balance of payment date

Medieval Studies Programme

Monday 10 June

Applying

Before you apply

Before applying, please ensure that you have read the programme requirements (including who can apply, English language requirements and visa guidance) and that you have understood our Booking terms and conditions. You may also find it helpful to read our Booking information.

How to apply

To book online and pay by credit or debit card click on the Book Now button at the top of this page. You will be directed to our online booking system where you select your programme and will then be taken through the booking process step by step.

What happens next?

Once you have completed the online booking form you will receive:

An email to confirm your online booking (this is not confirmation of acceptance onto the programmes)

An email to confirm your online payment

If you meet all of the requirements and have provided all of the relevant information your application will be processed and accepted.

If your application is incomplete (eg missing language codes or information) you will receive an email, and your application will be 'pending' until the issue is resolved. NB: Course and room allocations will not be made while applications are pending.

Once your application has been accepted

You will receive your acceptance letter by email (including allocated courses and accommodation), along with a finance summary showing the fees paid and any outstanding balance.

NB: Liaise with your group contact if you have applied through an institution.

You will also be emailed login details for the VLE (from mid-January onwards), where you can access the Student Handbook, course materials, information about your College and weekend excursions.

Please note: some emails sent from our office are occasionally redirected to junk or spam folders. Please ensure that you check these folders regularly once you have applied.